My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

In real life:

I spent all of last week at home, recovering from knee surgery, but as of today, it’s back to the salt mines! Back to work, back to routine… back to a life with not nearly enough reading time in it!

What did I read last week?

The Versions of Us by Laura Barnett: Loved it! My review is here.

Rush Oh! by Shirley Barrett: Loved this one too! My review is here.

The Fireman by Joe Hill: Wow. Amazing book. Finished at 2:30 in the morning because I Just. Couldn’t. Stop. Review to follow in the next couple of days.

In graphic novels…

… I went on quite a little binge. I read one volume from the Mercy Thompson world (Hopcross Jilly), then switched over to the Buffy-verse, where I finally caught up on all of Buffy season 9, Angel & Faith season 9, and the single volume of Willow Wonderland. I have the first few volumes of season 10, but I think I’ll hold off until the end of the year when the entire season will be available. Bottom line: This was super fun. It was great to immerse myself in the Buffy world again, and while some plot developments are better than others, overall it’s terrific to see what the gang is up to.

Pop culture goodness:

While I was sitting around the house with my feet up, I watched a couple of movies that I’ve been meaning to get to for a while:

• Deadpool – which was hilarious, except that I allowed my 13 year old to watch it with me, resulting in one of my most awkward viewing experiences ever. He loved it, of course, but it was waaaay inappropriate.
• Trainwreck — no, I did not allow my kiddo to watch this one! I do have a tiny shred of appropriate mother in me, it would seem. Trainwreck was pretty fun, but went on a lot longer than it needed to. Funny, I thought my husband would find it hilarious, but he got bored midway through and left me to finish alone. Oh well.

Outlander update!

Season 2 rocks! This week’s episode was a heartbreaker. Here’s my reaction post for the 7th episode, “Faith”:

Insta-Reaction: Outlander, Season 2, Episode 7

Fresh Catch:

You know how when certain books come out and you plan your entire week of reading around them? Yup. This:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

At the Edge of Summer by Jessica Brockmole: Just starting. I loved the author’s previous book, Letters from Skye (review), and I have high hopes for this one too!

Now playing via audiobook:

I was off work this entire past week, recuperating from knee surgery, and I also did no driving… which meant no audiobook enjoyment either. I have about an hour left of “Virgins”, and now that I’m headed back to work, should have it done in the next day or so.

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

So many books, so little time…

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

In real life:

I had some minor outpatient surgery at the end of the week (arthroscopic surgery on my knee), which has left me a bit groggy as I hobble around the house on crutches. I’m glad it’s done, and hope to be back to my normal exercise routine in a few weeks. Meanwhile, ibuprofen and icepacks are my friends. I’m reading while I’m home, but haven’t been able to concentrate enough to dig into anything too heavy.

What did I read last week?

Still Alice by Lisa Genova: I read the book and watched the movie, and both were amazing. I wrote a post about them both here.

Roses and Rot by Kat Howard: Done! My review is here.

My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix: Done! My review is here.

In audiobooks:

I finished listening to HP2, and can’t wait to start #3!

Outlander update!

Season 2 rocks! Here’s my reaction post for the 6th episode, “Best Laid Schemes”:

Insta-Reaction: Outlander, Season 2, Episode 6

Fresh Catch:

One new book arrived this week — my book group’s upcoming read for June:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Versions of Us by Laura Barnett: I always love Sliding Doors types of stories.

Now playing via audiobook:

Virgins is a novella by Diana Gabaldon that originally appeared in the Dangerous Women anthology (thoughts here), but is now available as a stand-alone ebook and audiobook. I’ve read it before, but I’m really enjoying the audio version, narrated by Allan Scott-Douglas, who sings the Jamie parts in Outlander: The Musical. (Yes, there is such a thing as Outlander: The Musical. I’ll have to tell you about it another time!)

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

So many books, so little time…

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

What did I read last week?

Everyone Brave Is Forgiven by Chris Cleave: Done! My review is here.

Midnight Come Again by Dana Stabenow: I read the 10th Kate Shugak book, which puts me squarely in the middle of the series. For my view at the halfway mark, check out my thoughts here.

Summer of Lost and Found by Rebecca Behrens: A charming middle-grade new release. My review is here.

Outlander update!

Season 2 rocks! Here’s my reaction post for the 5th episode, “Untimely Resurrection”:

Insta-Reaction: Outlander, Season 2, Episode 5

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week!… although a couple of library holds are now ready for pick-up. Uh oh.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Still Alice by Lisa Genova: Just finishing. What an intense, emotional book. Review to come in the next day or so.

Roses and Rot by Kat Howard: Just starting. I’ve been looking forward to this one!

Now playing via audiobook:

I’m almost done with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! I’ve been loving the audiobooks, but sadly, my listening time has really dropped to almost nothing since I’m not exercising these days. (I’m not lazy — just injured! Hoping to get back to long walks with good books in my ears ASAP.)

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

So many books, so little time…

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

What did I read last week?

I finished my binge-read of the Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series! My wrap-up post is here.

Hunter’s Moon by Dana Stabenow: The Kate Shugak is usually my reading equivalent of comfort food — but I was not at all prepared for the emotional devastation of this book! I love the series and the main character and will absolutely continue onward… but I’m also so mad at the author right now!

Outlander update!

Season 2 rocks! Here’s my reaction post for the 4th episode, “La Dame Blanche”:

Insta-Reaction: Outlander, Season 2, Episode 4

Elsewhere on the blog:

I’ve reached my breaking point! I’m swearing off ARCs for the rest of the year. Check out my DisembARCing post.

Fresh Catch:

Two pre-orders arrived from Book Depository this week:

I’m excited for both… but I suppose I need to start by reading The Wrath & the Dawn first!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Everyone Brave Is Forgiven by Chris Cleave: I’ve read two books by this author so far, and I’m excited to be starting his new release.

Now playing via audiobook:

I’m about halfway through my audio journey back through Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The audiobooks are great fun. Looks like I’ll be continuing with these for a while.

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

So many books, so little time…

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

What did I read last week?

Blockade Billy by Stephen King: Done! My review is here.

The Midnight Watch by David Dyer: Done! My review is here.

Hollow City by Ransom Riggs: I’m powering my way through the Miss Peregrine trilogy, and plan to write a wrap-up once I’m done. I really enjoyed book #2, and I’m moving straight ahead with the third.

In audiobooks, I finished listening to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone — my very first time listening to a Harry Potter audiobook! Great fun. I can’t believe it’s taken me all this time to finally give the audio version a try.

Outlander update!

Season 2 rocks! Here’s my reaction post for the3rd episode, “Useful Occupations and Deceptions”:

Insta-Reaction: Outlander, Season 2, Episode 3

Pop culture delight:

Could this week be any more thrilling from a TV-fanatic’s perspective? Besides the ongoing delight of Outlander, we also have the season premiers of Game of Thrones and Turn (AMC’s terrific drama about the spy network of the American Revolution). I also watched the first episode of The Night Manager, the six-part mini-series starring Tom Hiddleston. And holy moly, The Americans is just non-stop amazing! It’s a wonder I get any reading done at all.

Fresh Catch:

A few new books this week:

I’m excited for all three!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’ve just started Library of Souls, the third Miss Peregrine book. I’m so glad that I’m finally finishing the series!

Now playing via audiobook:

Well, of course I couldn’t stop after book #1! It looks like I’ll be continuing my audio journey back through the world of Harry Potter for a while to come.

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

So many books, so little time…

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

In real life:

It’s been a crazy week! My husband had a medical procedure (he’s fine, thanks!) and I took a few days off work so I could be home for things like fetching ice packs and plumping up pillows. He’s a reader too, so besides hanging out with hubby, there was lots of book time!

What did I read last week?

Son by Lois Lowry: The final book in The Giver Quartet — and I’m so glad I finally revisited this series! I’d read The Giver ages ago, but re-read it this year when my kiddo had to read it for school. I really enjoyed all four books, and thought the final one, Son, was particularly strong, except for a particular plot element that felt more fairy-tale-ish than the rest of the story. Still, a great wrap-up with some memorable characters and events. If you haven’t finished the series, I really recommend it!

The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem by Sarit Yishai-Levi: Done! My review is here.

Wink Poppy Midnight by April Genevieve Tucholke: Done! My review is here.

My book group’s discussion of A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler is coming up this week, and I managed to read the book over the weekend (surprised by how quickly it went). What a terrific read! My review is here.

In audiobooks, I finished listening to Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children — a totally fun way to revisit the book before continuing the series. The audiobook narration was quite good, but I’m glad I had a hard copy available as well for looking at all the pictures as the story moved along.

Outlander update!

Season 2 rocks! Here’s my reaction post for the 2nd episode, “Not In Scotland Anymore”:

Insta-Reaction: Outlander, Season 2, Episode 2

Elsewhere on the blog:

I wrote a TV Time post about binge-watching the new Starz series, The Girlfriend Experience. It was quite an… um… experience.

Fresh Catch:

I received a review copy of a book I can’t wait to read!

Seriously, it looks amazing!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Next up, I have an ARC of The Midnight Watch by David Dyer. I’m a sucker for anything to do with the Titanic, and the first few pages have already sucked me in.

Now playing via audiobook:

I love Harry Potter to bits and pieces (who doesn’t?) — and decided that it’s about time that I finally listen to the audiobooks! I’m about 6 chapters into book 1, and the audio is delightful. Of course.

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

So many books, so little time…

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

In real life:

Good lord, when will I ever get back to a normal routine? I’ve been going 100 miles per minute, or at least that’s how it feels. I realized over the weekend that I hadn’t written a book review in about 2 weeks! Well, at least now I’ve posted one, and hope to get back on track soon.

What did I read last week?

Messenger by Lois Lowry: The 3rd book in The Giver Quartet was not my favorite, but it was still good enough to make me want to read book #4!

Paper Girls by Brian K. Vaughan: This graphic novel about four 12-year-old girls on their paper route in the 1980s surprised me in all the right ways. I will definitely want to read volume 2.

Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire: A slim, lovely book. Check out my review here.

Outlander update!

I finished my Outlander rewatch. My final rewatch post about episodes 115 and 116 does not include recaps, because those two episodes are so brutal that I just couldn’t bring myself to write about them in any sort of detail. They’re incredibly well done and should have resulted in Emmy awards for all, but at the same time, I’ll be perfectly happy never to have to watch them again.

And…

… Season 2 has begun! I’m thrilled beyond words that the show is back, and loved the first episode of the new season. I’ll be writing reaction posts each week, kicking it off with:

Insta-Reaction: Outlander, Season 2, Episode 1

Fresh Catch:

Three new releases arrived this week, hot off the press! And I’ve already managed to read two of them.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Son by Lois Lowry, the 4th and final book in The Giver series.

Next up, I have an ARC of a new release: The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem by Sarit Yishai-Levi.

Now playing via audiobook:

Almost done!

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

So many books, so little time…

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

In real life:

Another ridiculously intense week, with not nearly enough time to curl up with a good book. Dislike very much.

What did I read last week?

The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson: Sadly, this was a DNF for me. I quit at 45%. The plot was just going nowhere. Small-town life is all very charming, but nothing was happening.

More Kate Shugak! I read book #8, Killing Grounds, and can’t wait for more! Killing Grounds was maybe not the most awesome of the lot (too much time spent on identifying different types of fishing boats and discussing permits and politics), but all Kate is good Kate, as far as I’m concerned.

Outlander update!

I’m continuing with my Outlander rewatch. This week’s posts included:

Episode 111 – The Devil’s Mark
Episode 112 – Lallybroch
Episodes 113 – The Watch and Episode 114 – The Search

Almost there! Two more episodes to go, although those are the two that are hardest to watch.

Fresh Catch:

Well, yes, I did pick up a few new books this week! It was the spring sale benefiting the public libraries, and let’s just say I scored. Want proof? All this — 41 books — for under $60:

(Yes, I do already own several copies of ALL of the Harry Potter books! This one is a gift for someone else.)

Here’s another look at my book sale haul, unpacked, stacked up, and waiting for shelf space — except for the gift pile, which is waiting for a box, some packing tape, and a trip to the post office.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Right now, I’m reading Messenger by Lois Lowry, the 3rd book in The Giver series.

I’m expecting some new releases to arrive this week, but meanwhile, if there’s time, I plan to start the ARC of The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem by Sarit Yishai-Levi.

Now playing via audiobook:

Such fun! I’m about halfway done, and really enjoying it! It helps that I’ve read the book before, so I don’t feel that I’m missing out too much by not having all the photos in front of me.

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

So many books, so little time…

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

In real life:

Another crazy, busy week! I feel like I did nothing but work and sleep, and barely had time to read. Frustrating!

Elsewhere on the blog:

I pondered whether reading the book before watching the TV or movie version is always the best approach. I’d love to hear what you think! Check out my post, here.

What did I read last week?

The Steep & Thorny Way by Cat Winters: Another outstanding book from an author who has quickly moved onto my list of favorites! My review is here.

I finished the audiobook of The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais, my book group’s pick for March. My thoughts are here.

And although I was in the midst of something else, I gave into a sudden urge to read the 2nd book in Lois Lowry’s The Giver quartet, Gathering Blue. It was a quick but powerful read. Now I need #3!

Outlander update!

I’m continuing with my Outlander rewatch. This week’s posts included:

Episode 109 – The Reckoning
Episode 110 – By The Pricking Of My Thumbs

I just haven’t had enough time! Six more episodes to go… and season two starts in 2 weeks!!!

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’m about 20% of the way into The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson. I would have gotten further, except for my detour to read Gathering Blue. But now I’m back on track!

Now playing via audiobook:

I’m about to start the audiobook of Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children. I read it when it first came out, but I’ve been wanting to do a re-read before reading the other two books in this series. We’ll see how it goes, and whether the audiobook is satisfying without being able to see all the bizarre photos that go with.

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

So many books, so little time…

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

In real life:

My son missed a full week of school this past week because of the flu, and I’ve been going non-stop with a big project at work, so my reading time has dwindled to next to nothing. Argh.

What did I read last week?

Breakup by Dana Stabenow: I know I’ve said it about a thousand times by now, but the Kate Shugak series is terrific! Breakup was a particularly good read — funny, a great slice-of-life of Kate’s world in Alaska, most of the regular series characters popping in one way or another — just delightful.

Later in the week, I finished Fall of Poppies: Stories of Love and the Great War, a collection of short stories written by various popular historical romance authors. There are a few real stand-outs, such as “The Daughter of Belgium” by Marci Jefferson, “The Record Set Right” by Lauren Willig, “All For the Love of You” by Jennifer Robson, and my favorite, “Something Worth Landing For” by Jessica Brockmole. The book did start to feel a bit repetitive after a while, though, so for me, the best approach was to read it in little bits and pieces in between reading other things.

I also read two novellas, Kindred Spirits by Rainbow Rowell and Forest of Memory by Mary Robinette Kowal. Two very different types of stories, but both were good, quick diversions on a rainy day.

Elsewhere on the blog:

I’m continuing with my Outlander rewatch! This week’s posts included:

Episode 105 – Rent
Episode 106 – The Garrison Commander
Episode 107 – The Wedding

Almost at the half-way mark for season 1! Will I make it to the end before the season 2 premiere in 3 weeks?

Fresh Catch:

A couple of new books this week:

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

I’ve just started The Steep & Thorny Way by Cat Winters, and after that, I need to get to the ARC of The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson.

Now playing via audiobook:

I’m about halfway through the audiobook of The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais, my book group’s pick for March. I’m looking forward to watching the movie once I finish!

Ongoing reads:

My book group is reading and discussing two chapter per week of both Written in My Own Heart’s Blood by Diana Gabaldon and Emma by Jane Austen. This is an online group, and anyone is welcome to join us — so if you’re interested, just ask me how!

So many books, so little time…